Work package 1 – Strategic development of Norrbotten's existing housing stock

The downtown area in Piteå is owned and managed by Pitebo. 

Activity 1.1 – Development efforts of existing residential areas

This activity aims to develop regional guidance for the development of existing residential areas in Norrbotten. The focus is on identifying and developing solutions that are both practically feasible and strategically sustainable over time. The guidance will support municipalities in strengthening existing residential areas to be resource-efficient, attractive and safe, based on local needs and conditions. 

The work is carried out in the form of two case studies in collaboration with the municipalities of Arvidsjaur and Älvsbyn and their municipal property companies. Together with these actors, the project group explores working methods for developing existing housing stock based on site-specific challenges. The goal is to identify concrete initiatives that can have an effect in the short term, while contributing to the long-term development of the residential areas.  

The lessons learned from the work contribute to the development of regional guidance that can be used by other municipalities that want to better utilize their existing housing stock in a strategic way and create safer and more attractive residential areas for their residents.

Activity 1.2 – Increased mobility in the housing market

This activity will develop regional guidance to increase mobility in the housing market in Norrbotten. The work is based on a case study in Luleå Municipality that investigates how relocation chains can free up single-family homes for new target groups by making it easier for residents aged 55+ to move to housing types that better suit their needs.

The case study includes a survey of the single-family housing stock and an analysis of which homes can be freed up, as well as a needs analysis of what affects the willingness to move – economically, practically and socially. Alternative housing forms, such as senior housing and community solutions, are studied as possible alternatives.

Based on the analysis, interventions that can support the relocation process are identified, which are tested on a small scale and supplemented with visual concepts to increase understanding and interest in the target group. The results are evaluated continuously, and scenarios are developed for how relocation chains can function in different types of geographies.

Finally, the experiences are compiled into a development model and regional guidance that can be used by other municipalities in Norrbotten.

Activity 1.3 – Knowledge-raising initiatives and learning trips

The purpose of the activity is to strengthen joint learning and collaboration in the county around sustainable development of existing residential environments, and to integrate these insights into the municipalities' regular processes.

This will include, among other things, disseminating knowledge and experiences from the project on an ongoing basis within the region. A number of knowledge-raising seminars and dialogue opportunities are also planned for all municipalities in the county.  

The activity also includes three annual study trips to municipalities that are working successfully to develop their existing housing stock. The trips are open to all municipalities in Norrbotten to participate. During the trips, there is an opportunity to learn about practical examples, be inspired by good solutions and understand how others have handled similar challenges. The themes are based on the project's focus areas, such as strategic housing development, relocation chains, circular principles and socially sustainable living environments.

In summary, the activity contributes to increased competence in sustainable housing development, improved collaboration between municipalities and a long-term dissemination of knowledge and good examples in the region.

Work package 1 and activities 1.1-1.3 are led by Region Norrbotten in close collaboration with project partners and the county's municipalities.